Madrid derby offers Atletico chance to prove title credentials

After making their best start to a season since they last won the La Liga title, Atletico Madrid can consolidate their early promise and twist the knife into their city rivals when they visit Real Madrid on Saturday. Victory would send leaders Atletico nine points clear of fourth-placed Real with a game in hand and […]

After making their best start to a season since they last won the La Liga title, Atletico Madrid can consolidate their early promise and twist the knife into their city rivals when they visit Real Madrid on Saturday.

Victory would send leaders Atletico nine points clear of fourth-placed Real with a game in hand and send out the clearest message yet that they mean business after missing out on the title since breaking the duopoly of Real and Barcelona in 2014.

Despite a perceived inferiority complex derived from seeing their neighbours sweep up so many trophies, Atletico are in many ways a stronger unit than Real right now.